A lifeline for education and skills training in Ethiopia

EECMY School for the Deaf, a CBM partner, provides quality education and vocational skills to deaf students in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY)Hosanna School for the Deaf, a long-standing CBM partner, has provided specialised education and vocational training for deaf children in Ethiopia since 1981. Christian Blind Mission CBM supported the establishment of the school. The school operates under a Christian umbrella but welcomes children of all faiths. It has gained national recognition for its comprehensive program, which serves students from preschool through grade 12. Currently, the school educates students aged 7 to 19, supported by a staff of 17 teachers, seven of whom are deaf. These teachers serve as role models for the students.

The school offers a blend of academics and hands-on skills training. Younger students begin by learning Ethiopian Sign Language in preschool, while older students engage in vocational training, including woodwork, handicrafts, hairdressing, and metalwork, from grades 5 through 10. This dual focus prepares students for further education and direct employment, promoting independence and self-sufficiency within their communities.

Each August, the school conducts entrance tests across three Ethiopian regions, evaluating children to determine eligibility. For families, the only cost is a modest registration fee if affordable; otherwise, all educational expenses are covered by CBM, church, and government support.

HIS Brehanesh Tefera (31) — Brehanesh, a person with hearing impairment, teaches children using sign language.
CBM

A typical day at the EECMY School for the Deaf emphasises educational and personal growth. The day begins with a devotion in the community hall, where students pray and sing hymns in sign language. This is followed by a flag-raising ceremony, with students signing the national anthem as the Ethiopian and provincial flags are raised. After morning classes, lunch is a quiet yet lively gathering where students communicate animatedly in sign language.

Beyond academics, the school runs an outreach program to train 50-60 teachers annually in Ethiopian Sign Language, extending the impact of the school’s expertise to other regions of the country. Parents also receive sign language training to communicate effectively with their children.

EECMY graduates are often influential advocates for the deaf community, returning to their home areas to promote awareness and share their educational experiences. Principal Tadesse Gainore credits this organic outreach for the school’s widespread reputation across Ethiopia.

The EECMY School for the Deaf remains a critical institution for deaf education, providing a supportive environment where students learn to thrive personally and professionally.